Norfolk YMCA flasher still unidentified

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Some YMCA members have been getting more than a workout at the Norfolk Blocker Y on Brambleton Avenue.

YMCA management told WAVY.com Norfolk Police are investigating a man who’s been exposing himself to members through the large window that runs along Brambleton Avenue.

“He has been witnessed at the light rail platform exposing his genitals to the persons inside the YMCA in front of the window that faces the rail station,” said Karen Parker-Chesson with Norfolk Police. “Calls have been made to police regarding these incidents, however the suspect leaves the area before officers arrive.”

10 On Your Side spoke with Terri Reedy, Corporate Vice President of Marketing for the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. She said the flasher is showing up at different times of the day, and added that one woman, who has been flashed twice, feels targeted.

Police say the last sighting of the suspect was two weeks ago around 5 p.m., and prior to that, about four months ago.

Reedy said the YMCA has added extra staff in that workout room, extra security and an escort service for those who might feel unsafe walking to their vehicles.

When 10 On Your side visited the facility, we noticed cameras all around and at HRT’s Tide Stop right outside the window. So far, no word on video. We have only a vague description from YMCA members: he’s as a young black man in a gray hooded sweatshirt.

Most people we talked to, like Marielena Finn, are not too concerned at this point: “as long as he stays outside,” she said.

Others, like Samantha Howard, feel differently: “You want to be cautious of creepy things going on, you know, you never know what people are capable of.”

The man has not been identified. If you have any information that could help investigators, please call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.